James Elwood Richards

Jim was born April 24, 1942 in Wilton Township, New York and was the middle child of three, an older brother Jerome and a younger sister Anne Richards. The family moved several times throughout his early years traveling to Northern California before settling in Yerington, Nevada where he attended high school.

Jim entered the United States Army and upon returning from overseas, lived in the Northern Nevada area for many years. Jim began his service career with the State of Nevada as a Cottage Parent at the Northern Nevada Children’s Home in Carson City in August of 1968. While working there Jim adopted his son William (Bill) Richards in 1970. Jim then transferred to Boulder City, Nevada where he helped to open the Southern Nevada Children’s Home. Jim transferred back to Carson City in 1972 continuing to work with at risk youth until approximately 1974. During his time with the Children’s Home, he helped many troubled youth from all demographics, race and cultures. Jim was instrumental in helping to shape and guide many of these youths and was respected and loved.

Jim continued working for the State of Nevada in a few different capacities until he began working for the Nevada Department of Prisons in 1978. During this time Jim put himself through Nevada Peace Officers Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) obtaining a category 1 peace officer’s certification. Jim realized his dream of becoming a Law Enforcement officer by transferring to Nevada Adult Parole and Probation as an officer in 1983 and worked with that agency until his retirement in 1995.

Jim led a colorful and sometimes heartbreaking life. His own childhood was difficult and traumatic which led to his desire to help others. Jim was always willing to help anyone who was in need or in jeopardy, it was his nature and as is usually the case was both his strength and Achilles heal.

Jim is survived by his wife of almost 50 years Linda Richards, his step son Joel Wilks of Las Vegas, Nevada, son William Richards of Carson City and granddaughter Tessa Richards of Carson City.

A graveside service will be held on February 4th at 1:00pm at Palm Eastern Mortuary and Cemetery 7600 S Eastern Ave Las Vegas, NV 89123.